Database Develop

Noob questions around customization and apps

So I am a Newbie in regards to customizing Anroid - but not regarding Terminal usage, rooting, hacking iphone and WinMo - but i need some easy answers as it seems that answers to my questions are buried too deep; so here goes:
1. Does anyone have any detail or tutorials on alternate launchers? Specifically, what can I do other then change the number of screens? Can I change color schemes (away from Touchwiz)? If so, do these color changes flow into the Touchwiz apps like eMail and Calendar?
2. Email and Calendar seem so customized compared to other Android versions. Touchwiz has some neat features, but Moto has nicer email and calendar. Can the email and calendar apps be replaced? I don't mean adding a widget, I mean different version of the app? One example - I can't click to dial a phone number in the Captivate calendar (either in location, subject or body). Exchange email sync, does sync subfolders, but not option to move emails to other folders. Do I have to wait for new ROMs?
3. Rooting - if I root, what can i do? i know I can change the sideload setting, but what else? Any good links in regards to what root will let me do?
4. How do you delete panels? I see reference to this, i assume this is a benefit to rooting.
5. Custom ROM - when we get this option, how do you back up your old ROM? If you need to return the phone, or reflash to factory, there must be a way, right?
If anyone has links, I like to read as much detail as I can get.
Thanks for any help.

LauncherPro is definitely worth checking out. Lots of customization with home screens and launcher icons and even the app drawer.

alphadog00 said:
So I am a Newbie in regards to customizing Anroid - but not regarding Terminal usage, rooting, hacking iphone and WinMo - but i need some easy answers as it seems that answers to my questions are buried too deep; so here goes:
1. Does anyone have any detail or tutorials on alternate launchers? Specifically, what can I do other then change the number of screens? Can I change color schemes (away from Touchwiz)? If so, do these color changes flow into the Touchwiz apps like eMail and Calendar?
2. Email and Calendar seem so customized compared to other Android versions. Touchwiz has some neat features, but Moto has nicer email and calendar. Can the email and calendar apps be replaced? I don't mean adding a widget, I mean different version of the app? One example - I can't click to dial a phone number in the Captivate calendar (either in location, subject or body). Exchange email sync, does sync subfolders, but not option to move emails to other folders. Do I have to wait for new ROMs?
3. Rooting - if I root, what can i do? i know I can change the sideload setting, but what else? Any good links in regards to what root will let me do?
4. How do you delete panels? I see reference to this, i assume this is a benefit to rooting.
5. Custom ROM - when we get this option, how do you back up your old ROM? If you need to return the phone, or reflash to factory, there must be a way, right?
If anyone has links, I like to read as much detail as I can get.
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Download as many free launchers you can find (HelixLauncher, LauncherPro, ADW Launcher, etc)
2. I think you have to wait for new ROMs.
3. Root gives you access to certain applications not available and certain permissions...I'm kinda new at this so I'm probably wrong.
4.Press the left most icon, then press EDIT.
5. I think there is a way to save your ROM states

@li1on - thanks for the replies - especially number 4! something really simple i missed. I guess i have NOT played with every menu yet.

guess this thread is done

Viewing Angles of Different Launchers
Hello my friend I just wanted to clear you up on the launcher area.
My personal favorite launcher is GO Launcher, Zeam and another one called Nemus.. I Really Really LOVE Nemus (search it through the Market) only bad thing is whenever I was.. lets say on Facebook or Google+ and I hit the home button the launcher would take a couple of seconds to re-establish the home image with your short-cuts and folders, for me it just semmed like it was slow and glitching a some points. Although nemus launcher is fairly a new launcher to hit the market the current released version (0.9.7 updated on july 6,2011 Size: 0.90MB) I see great things coming from this developer! This launcher gives you great organization funtions but until the developer fixes his bugs in his software, I am going to stick with GO Launcher, do to Ease and how fast it is and it supports themes and custom widgets. Btw quick tip* Zeam Launcher is the fastest launcher out there. Original source [via Lifehacker]
Below are different description viewing angles of launchers for android. Most of the info is repeated but greatly do i admire the opinions of others feedback.
http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2...n-launcherpro-adw-zeam-go-launcher-quickdesk/
http://android.appstorm.net/how-to/customization/six-best-android-home-screen-launchers/
http://lifehacker.com/5627286/battl...launchers-adw-vs-launcherpro-vs-helixlauncher

[Q] Diseccting Apps

Howdy,
I had recently updated my Legend to SuperGinger from [email protected] I had moved from Azure 1.0 because I was comfortable with everything working and looked nice. Big props to AlexHof for working on the Legend btw.
In reinstalling the majority of my apps and configuring to my liking, I noticed once I moved around to ringtones I was in a bit of a pickle.
The only reason why I had stuck with Azure1.0 was because I found the stock message app didnt populate names when I was sending a new message. I remedied this problem with HandcentSMS, and all of its other features. Now handcent has this feature where it allows you to choose the default program "Select Music" as opposed to "System" when selecting a ringtone, which allows me to select music from my phone and not just the default ringtones.
My question to XDA members and enthusiasts is, "is there any way to dissect this "Select Music" and integrate it into the ROM." Or even just install the Select Music as a separate app without Handcent.
Im more than happy to keep handcent on the phone just for the select music, but it seems like a waste. Im a bit OCD. Hiding it in LauncherPro is my only option I guess.
Ive been meaning to take up some developing in my uni holidays, though I got as far as loading android sdk and eclipse (which i use for uni anyway) and got lost in all the java. They only teach us C++. =(
I have another question about Rom Settings but ill might hold of pending the answers I get from this. =P Saves me humiliation.
Cheers and Peace!

Unless you are either very good at reverse engineering or reading java bytecode you need to get the sourcecode of an application in order to reuse some of it's features for a standalone app.
Since you won't be able to get the handcent sourcecode, maybe you should ask the developer to provide an app with just the functionality you want.

Amazing apps

I have found some really amazing apps for android and thought i should share if anyone else might need or want them.
8pen: The keyboard has been reinvented for mobile devices. Was intended for phones but works great on my tablet. going to be using this as my main keyboard.
freenote: I was looking for a note taking program that can be used for classes. college level physics mostly. so i needed something i can write/type words on as well as put in a far bit of diagrams or equations. This one was the only one i found that did it all at a bang up job to. the controls may be a bit confusing but can have multiple groups of notes per class. save it and back it up (to restore a backup i only know of copying the back up folder into the main folder).
Win-Remote and URemoteDesktop: both of these are great computer control programs. win-remote only works with windows, URemoteDesktop works with both windows and linux. can make win-remote hidden in the taskbar and start with computer to have some fun with someone. (i have played joke on my bro and everyone was laughing was great). URemoteDesktop shows up in the terminal as a java process so its even more hidden. batch file and shell can run without constantly being on screen.
Font Changer (Root): is a nice simple font changer program. there are others i personally found this to work the best and be easiest to use. can be used with any launcher, also changes fonts in web browser, many apps... basically everything unless the app says otherwise.
AccuWeather: i have found this to be the most amazing weather app. has nice clean non clutter widgets that link to the app as well as show information. the app it self is basically a whole weather channel in your hands. even shows radar and 15day forecast. also very nice eye candy. it also tells you more about the day then just sun or rain. there is a lifestyle forecast section that tells you risk of asthma, cold, flu, mosquito risks, migraine risk and much more, even a dog walking forecast. lol
that's what i found. if there's an app that makes you go WOW please share cause i would love to know of more.

FreeNote looks like exactly what I've been looking for for taking notes in my engineering classes. Tried a few last semester and they just didn't work out very well. I tried replicating a few things and looks like it works very well and is easy to switch between modes (typing, hand writing, drawing).

I searched for about an hour tonight and finally found my perfect math handwriting note taking app = handrite!
Sent from my Flashback HC-TAB using XDA Forum App

Hey guys I'm a newbie, and I'm trying to find how you guys DLed these apps (I need freenote or handrite myself for classes) the only links I've found, when i try to download them i get stopped with this message
"There are no Android phones associated with this account. Please sign in with a different account."
How are you downloading on the G tablet and get it to recognize the thing?
if any of you know which direction to point me in even that would be a huge help!

try the amazon appstore and 1mobile or put a rom on it that gives u the market

GoofOff said:
Hey guys I'm a newbie, and I'm trying to find how you guys DLed these apps (I need freenote or handrite myself for classes) the only links I've found, when i try to download them i get stopped with this message
"There are no Android phones associated with this account. Please sign in with a different account."
How are you downloading on the G tablet and get it to recognize the thing?
if any of you know which direction to point me in even that would be a huge help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you're facing a bug. On your gtablet you can download the apps from the market. If you're having trouble, remove your gmail account, reboot, and readd your gmail account to your tablet. This should fix things!

FreeNote FTW!
Wow... I just wish I had FreeNote when I was taking classes. Thanks for posting this OP!

Nice apps. FreeNote is very nice. The kool apps keeps coming and coming...Thanks.

GingerVolt (BLUE) Handcent Theme [v1.0]

All,
Description:
A simple redesign of the custom style options available within Handcent to better match any of the blueish GingerVolt themes (ICK, RevoComb, Marble, BlueVolt, etc). It's far from a work of art, but I plan to make more advanced changes in later revisions--like the popup window, full editor, and the "bars" on the top and bottom. I'm not sure how many people here use Handcent (if you're using the stock Messaging app you should be *****slapped), so if these themes are something you want, let me know.
Changelog:
v1.0
->Initial Release
Screenshots:
See attached files or view them in an imgur album HERE.
Installation:
.::NOTE: Since all of these changes can be made within Handcent, developing a means of "flashing" would be excessive, so you will have to apply this within Handcent. This requires a free MyHandcent Account! Account creation can be done within Handcent or--if you prefer--on the Internets and takes ~23.5 seconds. If you already have an account and know how to install themes, skip to Step 7.::.
(OPTIONAL) Download the attached Handcent Font Pack2 and Handcent Font Pack5 APKs or install them from the Android Market. If you choose not to install the font packs, the theme will use default system fonts.
(OPTIONAL) If reading this on your computer, it may be faster to register here via your web browser, and then skip directly to Step 7. It's up to you.
Open Handcent.
Navigate to [ Menu Button -> Settings -> Handcent Services ]
Select [ Get a Handcent Online Account ].
A browser window will open in which you can create your account. No email verification is required (at least not immediately).
Return to [ Handcent Services ] and select [ My Handcent Login ]. Enter your username/password into the popup window. A "Handcent services update OK!" message should appear, indicating successful login.
Still within [ Handcent Services ], scroll down and select [ Handcent Themes ].
[ Menu Button > Search] and enter GingerVolt (my theme will be the only result). Select it, click [ Import -> Both (on second popup)].
Feel free to provide suggested changes/tell me it's ugly, but I'm studying Economics and Philosophy--not graphic design--so don't be too callous. Additionally, if anyone knows anything about Handcent theming, I'd love to hear from you.
Additional Information:
If you want a different background image (or launcher wallpaper), I highly recommend PicSpeed HD Wallpapers. There's over 50,000 available in several categories, allows you to save images to sdcard, and supports scrolling wallpapers. You can favorite items for easy access later, and it has a function to randomly select a wallpaper from your favorites every x minutes/hours. [ Link: Market ::: AppBrain
You can customize any aspect of this theme within [ Handcent > Settings > Custom Style ]. Even if you end up changing half of it, starting with this scheme should still save you some time in making Handcent match the theme.
This first version is not extensive. I intended this as a "trial run" of sorts to test the demand for this kind of thing. If it's something people I want, I may eventually create versions to match several of the popular themes.
At minimum, I'll update this in the near future to change some minor aspects, like the background pic. It's cool, but in retrospect I think it's a bit "busy" for a background.
Credit for that background goes to KaneOfMars, and was used with presumed consent (hope you don't mind, bro ).
Shout-out/thanks to the IRC Crew for always working so damn hard on some thing or another, thus making me feel the need to contribute something other than sardonic comments--although this pales in comparison to the work those guys do. Please note that this shout-out does not apply to beamer because he did not tell me that Titanium Backup could extract data from my nandroid data.img, forcing me to start ALL OVER.
Enjoy!

jamrwoo said:
please note that this shout-out does not apply to beamer because he did not tell me that titanium backup could extract data from my nandroid data.img, forcing me to start all over. :d
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999

Haro912 said:
+9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nine Nine Nine....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1UbPZ2DHqk

Very nice... Hey, I recognize that wallpaper
From my Kangwich Bryce Device

Gonna try handcent just because of this! Nice work!
Was just using stock and didn't wanna get ***** slapped ;-)
GingerVolt powered by MTM

revo_65 said:
Gonna try handcent just because of this! Nice work!
Was just using stock and didn't wanna get ***** slapped ;-)
GingerVolt powered by MTM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hehe, glad someone will be using it...or trying it, at least.
You'll love Handcent. Take the time to go through all of the settings and configure everything. 10x the configurability of stock Messaging app. Be sure to disable notifications in stock app, and HC still uses the maximum-messages-per-thread limit you set in the Messaging settings (if you set one). I recommend setting one--even if it's high--I use 800. If you make it unlimited you can end up with massive threads and batch deleting becomes a pain in the ass / time-out/FCing nightmare. Although this is less of a problem than it once was. The popup quick reply window is also pretty nifty...lets you answer texts without exiting your current app.
Also, download the Handcent Locate Plugin. It allows you to "attach" your location in the form of a link to google maps and/or an address. Amazing if you're not sure where you are and need to give someone directions without wasting time giving them directions.

jamRwoo said:
hehe, glad someone will be using it...or trying it, at least.
You'll love Handcent. Take the time to go through all of the settings and configure everything. 10x the configurability of stock Messaging app. Be sure to disable notifications in stock app, and HC still uses the maximum-messages-per-thread limit you set in the Messaging settings (if you set one). I recommend setting one--even if it's high--I use 800. If you make it unlimited you can end up with massive threads and batch deleting becomes a pain in the ass / time-out/FCing nightmare. Although this is less of a problem than it once was. The popup quick reply window is also pretty nifty...lets you answer texts without exiting your current app.
Also, download the Handcent Locate Plugin. It allows you to "attach" your location in the form of a link to google maps and/or an address. Amazing if you're not sure where you are and need to give someone directions without wasting time giving them directions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kk. I have always been thinking about trying and after seeing this I had a reason lol
GingerVolt powered by MTM

I have handcent and have been using it for months. I recently purchased the online backup package, but for the like of my I cannot figure out how to save the themes I have designed to upload them to the backup servers. I go to settings ->handcent services -> My themes (i am already logged in to handcent via my phone). It opens up the Save theme online window, but there are no themes listed in this window and I cannot figure out how to get them there. Can you help?

This is pretty cool. I wemt through and installed it today. I love not having to exit my curent app!
Gingerfused Gingervolt 1.3 + Blitz

dark_onyx1982buster said:
I have handcent and have been using it for months. I recently purchased the online backup package, but for the like of my I cannot figure out how to save the themes I have designed to upload them to the backup servers. I go to settings ->handcent services -> My themes (i am already logged in to handcent via my phone). It opens up the Save theme online window, but there are no themes listed in this window and I cannot figure out how to get them there. Can you help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go on your computer and search for the gingervolt theme then add it to favorites. After go back on your phone and look at your favorites. Worked for me.
Gingerfused Gingervolt 1.3 + Blitz

Email App with Image Compression

I have a Korean HTC Desire HD that I rooted and installed the Ice Cold Sandwich rom on.
I currently live in Japan and am on the Softbank network. The biggest problem is that I can't send images through email to other mobile users because of a 1mb limit.
I have been trying to find an email app that will compress images before sending while keeping the original intact.
The closest that I have found is this: AndroMail (sorry can't post links since I'm a noob)
The problem is that I can't get it to connect to my gMail account. I sent the developer a message but he hasn't replied.
I've also read that the Galaxy S3 has this feature by default.
Is it possible to install the S3 mail apk on the DHD (and if so, does anyone know where I can get it?), or are there other options?

By the way, I do understand that there are apps that I can use to compress images.
What I am hoping to find is an email app that is able to do the compression before sending.
It's not that I'm lazy, it's just that I'm lazy

Okay, so I found the S3 rom. I'm going to try to extract the mail app and install it on my phone.
I still haven't found any other mail apps that include image compression as a feature.
Also, from what I can tell, the AndroMail app servers are not working. There is a gateway option in the setting. By default, it has different servers listed. I can change them, but I have no idea what I would need to change them to. Anyone else use this app?

Okay, so I successfully extracted the S3 secMail apk and odex files from the rom using the guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1667081
Then I attempted to deodex the files using the guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1053227
I couldn't deodex. I got no output files. I checked to make sure Java was installed (I knew it was, since I sometimes try to do some basic programming with the Android SDK).
So, since I couldn't deodex, I figured, why not? I tried to install the S3 secMail app anyway. As I expected, it didn't work.
Is there no mail app that has this functionality? I guess I incorrectly assumed that this was basic feature.

Okay, after four days of trying, I'm about ready to give up.
I have tried side loading different SecMail apps, but I'm assuming it's locked to Samsung devices only.
I have also scoured the internet and both Google and Amazon markets, and nothing.
I have just about given up. One last time, is there anyone that knows of any mail apps that offer image compression, or is it possible to port SecEmail (the only mail app I know of that does offer image compression) to the DHD